skip to main content

Refugee Week Online: Share a Song

There are many different ways to celebrate Refugee Week, including the simple act of sharing a song.

Published: 16 June 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:31 PM
Photo of Tardast Grime MC with a quote reading
"I imagine a future that brings new ways for us to connect with each other through virtual reality." - Tardast Grime MC

Is there a song you love in another language, a song about home or displacement or imagining a different future?

Refugee Week describe their call to action:

“When much of the world was asked to stay at home this spring, choirs across the globe regrouped via video call, and musicians played on the roofs in Tehran. Others turned the music up in the kitchen, or sang louder in the shower. We needed to sing.

“Music brings us together, and connects us to our common humanity. It opens us to the hardships and joys of others, and helps us to imagine.”

Let us know what song you’d pick on Twitter and Instagram at @WeAreTheMU using the hashtag #ShareASong

Share a song

Ideas to get you started

Here are just a few quick ideas from staff at the MU

The organisers behind Refugee Week have also put some great ideas and resources up on their website.

What’s happening for Refugee Week

Refugee Week is a nationwide annual arts festival coordinated by Counterpoints Arts, sharing the voices, talents and experiences of refugees. This year the festival presents the theme of #Imagine, showcasing the artists visions for the future world.

A rundown of the online events taking place for Refugee week:

Thursday 18 June

  • 7:00 pm - 7:30 pm, Nyaruach & Emmanuel Jal – Interview and songs by the South Sudanese sister and brother duo. Find out more.
  • 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm, Tardast – Liverpool’s Iranian grime rapper presents ‘Mirrors’ with the Manteq collective. The short film is a metaphor representing reflections on memories and flashbacks. Find out more.
  • 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm, Thris Tian and Worldwide FM – a special Global Roots show for Refugee Week with music and interviews. Find out more.

Friday 19 June

  • 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm, Lady Leshurr on The Positive Power of Football Chants – launching a new song created by the acclaimed MC celebrating the diversity of football, followed by a discussion. Find out more.

For more information see Refugee Week’s website.

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes Public Liability, Instrument and Equipment Insurance, Accident Insurance, Tax Investigation Insurance, and Professional Indemnity Insurance for music teachers.

Explore our member services

  • Get public liability insurance for musicians
  • Access expert legal support
  • Be represented in your profession
  • Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
  • Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

Three wooden blocks with red icons painted on them.

MU Concerned by New EU Customs Fees for Artists Selling Merchandise

A new EU customs charge on low-value parcels is creating additional costs and administrative challenges for musicians selling merchandise directly to fans in Europe. The MU will work to ensure musicians affected by the new legislation are represented at a stakeholder consultation later this year.

Published: 31 July 2026

Read more about MU Concerned by New EU Customs Fees for Artists Selling Merchandise
A brick wall with the flags of Spain and Gibraltar painted on it, overlapping each other.

Spain-Gibraltar Border Changes: What the New Agreement Means for Musicians

New arrangements between Gibraltar and Spain will remove routine border checks for people crossing by land. While the agreement does not change existing rights to work in Spain or the EU, any time spent in Gibraltar will count towards musicians’ 90-day allowance for the Schengen area.

Published: 30 July 2026

Read more about Spain-Gibraltar Border Changes: What the New Agreement Means for Musicians
A pink sign being held up that says

Music Qualifications Reform Debated in House of Lords

Peers from across the political spectrum raised concerns about the Government’s proposed reforms to level 3 music qualifications, with ministers confirming that existing qualifications will remain in place until at least 2030 and announcing a new creative advisory board to help shape the reforms.

Published: 28 July 2026

Read more about Music Qualifications Reform Debated in House of Lords